5 Ways to Help Someone with Panic Attacks

Edmonton Anxiety Clinic

Supporting a loved one with an anxiety disorder can be difficult. They may suffer from an obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder or social anxiety – all of which can make their behaviour difficult to understand. Worse, their anxiety and panic can impact your relationship and your life. Consequently, supporting them can involve a delicate balance of your needs and theirs during treatment. Below are some helpful tips:

Keep the illness separate from the individual in your mind. It can be challenging, but this creates a more objective perspective and negates the need for you to understand fully.

Help them apply new skills. Ask them how you can assist with their treatment – it may be with reminders, practice or allowing them to master tasks on their own.

Allow some time. New habits, anxiety treatment and even medications take time to implement.

Unless you are a professional or are working with theirs, be cautious about giving advice. It can quickly become incorrect or dismissive.

Set strong personal boundaries if your loved one wants to involve you in their anxiety in an unhealthy way. Remember – enabling isn’t helpful either.

Help them to seek anxiety treatment. Treatment modalities like the one we offer can effectively treat anxiety – not just manage panic disorder – getting it out of your life for good.

How Shift Can Help

Shift Psychological has a number of registered psychologists who are trained in treatment for the root cause of panic attacks. Call one of our offices today in order to book an appointment. We have offices in Calgary: 587.352.6463 and in Edmonton: 780.705.6463.

There is an abundance of research to help psychologists and clients understand and treat all types of anxiety disorders. These disorders and symptoms can include generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder…

5 Ways to Help Someone with Panic Attacks

This is the classic anxiety, paranoia or worry-inducing cognition. The one that gives rise to all kinds of things: obsessive worry, checking, feeling unsafe or vulnerable, and a lot more. And it isn’t just triggered by physical danger. It can even generate physical symptoms like chest pain or excessive sweating just to name a few. It could create fear of looking stupid in social situations, worry about bad things happening to loved ones, or a panic attack before a presentation at work. Far-reaching and diverse in its expression- this internalized belief can have a great, global impact when removed.

Shift Deals

I think what I like most about Shift is how personable and understanding the psychologists are. You are a person, not just a diagnosis to be solved. They help you and your support network understand what and why your brain is doing whatever it is and create a safe place to build you back up. They are warm and caring. They don't get annoyed if you miss or need to reschedule an appointent and having the ability to have call in sessions is great for hectic days. The receptionists are so cool and efficient. If I need to reschedule, I'll usually get a confirmation email before I've hung up. I'm incredibly grateful for Shift and their up to date, normalizing take on psychology.read more

Juhl Vautour

23:56 26 Sep 18

Very fun, youthful and inviting place. I did ask about sliding scale though a couple of times and it was never arranged. Still a very helpful experience though overall! Liked that they offered evening sessions.read more

Kari Green

01:06 25 Sep 18

I have engaged various modalities over the years to deal with my limiting beliefs and beliefs that do not serve me. The work I did with Andrea at Shift was impactful and most importantly: it stuck for the long term.read more

Stan Galbraith

21:06 05 Jul 18

I’ve been to psychologists before but I never really felt like I got anywhere or like there was point. I started seeing Olga in early February and have been fully committed to continuing my sessions with her since. The way each session progresses you know and can see that she devises a plan. I now see the value in seeing a psychologist and am so excited to continue on this journey ! Thank you.read more

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